Read time: 4 min

With years of experience in hundreds of residential and commercial landscape projects, we understand the challenges posed by common garden pests and diseases. These pests and diseases can significantly impact the health and beauty of your garden. Here are the top five most common garden pests and diseases in Malaysia, along with few tricks on how to treat them without using harmful pesticides.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from plants. They can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow, it also secrete a sticky substance called “honeydew”, which can attract ants and other pests.

How to treat them:

• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help to control aphids. Spray the affected plants with neem oil every few days until the aphids are gone.

• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is another natural insecticide that can be used to control aphids. Spray the affected plants with insecticidal soap every few days until the aphids are gone.

• Ladybugs: Ladybugs are natural predators of aphids. You can encourage ladybugs to visit your garden by planting flowers that they like, such as marigolds and dill.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, white insects that look like tiny cotton balls. They suck the sap from plants and can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop, it also secrete “honeydew”, attracting ants and other pests.

How to treat them:

• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help to control mealybugs. Spray the affected plants with neem oil every few days until the mealybugs are gone.

• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is another natural insecticide that can be used to control mealybugs. Spray the affected plants with insecticidal soap every few days until the mealybugs are gone.

• Alcohol: You can also use rubbing alcohol to kill mealybugs. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it on the mealybugs.

Scale insects

Scale insects are small, hard-bodied insects that attach themselves to plants. They suck the sap from plants and can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop these insects also secrete “honeydew”, which attract ants and other pests.

How to treat them:

• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help to control scale insects. Spray the affected plants with neem oil every few days until the scale insects are gone.

• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is another natural insecticide that can be used to control scale insects. Spray the affected plants with insecticidal soap every few days until the scale insects are gone.

• Horticultural oil: Horticultural oil is a type of oil that can smother scale insects. Spray the affected plants with horticultural oil every few days until the scale insects are gone.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small, white insects that fly in clouds around plants. They suck the sap from plants and can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop. Whiteflies also secrete “honeydew”, attracting ants and other pests.

How to treat them:

• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help to control whiteflies. Spray the affected plants with neem oil every few days until the whiteflies are gone.

• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is another natural insecticide that can be used to control whiteflies. Spray the affected plants with insecticidal soap every few days until the whiteflies are gone.

• Yellow sticky traps: Yellow sticky traps can help to capture whiteflies. Hang yellow sticky traps near your plants to attract and trap whiteflies.

Fungal diseases

Fungal diseases are caused by fungi that attack plants. Fungal diseases can cause leaves to turn brown or black, and they can also cause plants to wilt and die.

How to treat them:

• Remove infected plant parts: If your plants have fungal diseases, it is important to remove the infected plant parts. This will help to prevent the fungus from spreading to other plants.

• Improve air circulation: Good air circulation can help to prevent fungal diseases. Make sure that your plants are not crowded together, and prune them regularly to improve air circulation.

It's always best to prevent pest problems by monitoring your plants weekly to identify potential threats early. If you notice any unusual growth or signs of infestation, consult an expert for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Early detection and swift action can significantly improve your plants' survival rate. Happy Gardening!